Track system with a support member

ABSTRACT

A support member may be connectable in a removable and adjustable manner to a track assembly. The support member may include an electrical connector, a contact, and a biasing member. The electrical connector may be adjustable to a first position and a second position. The contact may be connected to the electrical connector and configured to engage a conductor of said track assembly. The contact may be engageable with said conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position. The contact may not be engageable with said conductor when the electrical connector is in the second position. The biasing member may be configured to bias the contact into engagement with said conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/979,812, filed on Feb. 21, 2020, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as thoughfully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a track system and/orsupport members configured for connection with and removal from tracks,including support members and tracks that may, for example, be utilizedin connection with vehicle seats.

BACKGROUND

This background description is set forth below for the purpose ofproviding context only. Therefore, any aspect of this backgrounddescription, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as priorart, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art againstthe instant disclosure.

Some track systems may have support members that may not providesufficient functionality, may be complex to operate and/or assemble,and/or may not operate efficiently. For example, some support membersmay not provide a sufficient connection between an electrical contactand a corresponding conductor of a track.

There is a desire for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate oneor more challenges or shortcomings of support members configured forconnection with and removal from tracks. The foregoing discussion isintended only to illustrate examples of the present field and is not adisavowal of scope.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, a support member may be connectable in a removable andadjustable manner to a track assembly. The support member may include anelectrical connector, a contact, and a biasing member. The electricalconnector may be adjustable to a first position and a second position.The contact may be connected to the electrical connector and configuredto engage a conductor of said track assembly. The contact may beengageable with said conductor when the electrical connector is in thefirst position. The contact may not be engageable with said conductorwhen the electrical connector is in the second position. The biasingmember may be configured to bias the contact into engagement with saidconductor when the electrical connector is in the first position.

In embodiments, a track system may include a track assembly and asupport assembly. The track assembly may include a conductor. Thesupport assembly may include a support member connectable in a removableand adjustable manner to the track assembly. The support member mayinclude an electrical connector, a contact, and a biasing member. Theelectrical connector may be adjustable to a first position and a secondposition. The contact may be connected to the electrical connector andconfigured to engage the conductor of the track assembly. The contactand the conductor may be engageable with one another when the electricalconnector is in the first position. The contact and the conductor maynot be engageable with one another when the electrical connector is inthe second position. The biasing member may be configured to bias thecontact into engagement with the conductor when the electrical connectoris in the first position.

In embodiments, a track system may include a track assembly and asupport assembly. The track assembly may include a plurality ofconductors. The support assembly may include a support memberconnectable in a removable and adjustable manner to the track assembly.The support member may include an electrical connector, a plurality ofcontacts, and a plurality of biasing members. The electrical connectormay be adjustable to a first position and a second position. Theplurality of contacts may be connected to the electrical connector andmay be configured to engage a corresponding conductor of the pluralityof conductors. The plurality of contacts and the plurality of conductorsmay be engageable with one another when the electrical connector is inthe first position. The plurality of contacts and the plurality ofconductors may not be engageable with one another when the electricalconnector is in the second position. The plurality of biasing membersmay be configured to bias a corresponding contact of the plurality ofcontacts into engagement with the corresponding conductor when theelectrical connector is in the first position.

The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities,and/or advantages of examples/embodiments of the present disclosure willbe apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewingthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, anappreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion ofvarious examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certainfeatures may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explainan innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrationsdescribed herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are notrestricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawingsor disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplaryillustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment ofa track system according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment ofa track according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of aconductor according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of aninsulator according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment ofan electrical connector in a first position according to teachings ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a cross sectional front view generally illustrating anembodiment of an electrical connector in a first position according toteachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side view generally illustrating the embodiment of anelectrical connector of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view generally illustrating the embodiment ofthe electrical connector of FIG. 6A connected to a support member.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are top views generally illustrating embodiments ofelectrical contacts according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B generally illustrate embodiments of an electricalcontact in a first rotational position and a second rotational position,respectively, according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B generally illustrate embodiments of an electricalcontact in a first rotational position and a second rotational position,respectively, according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 generally illustrate an orientation of an embodiment of anelectrical contact in a first rotational position and a secondrotational position according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electricalconnector and a conductor when the electrical connector is in a secondposition according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a view generally illustrating the electrical connector andthe conductor of FIG. 12 when the electrical connector is rotating froma second position toward a first position according to teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 14A-14C are views generally illustrating the electrical connectorand the conductor of FIG. 12 when the electrical connector is in a firstposition according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electricalconnector and electrical contacts when the electrical connector isbetween a first position and a second position.

FIGS. 15B and 15C are views generally illustrating an embodiment of anelectrical connector and electrical contacts when the electricalconnector is in a second position according to teachings of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 16A-16C are views generally illustrating embodiments of anelectrical connector and electrical contracts when the electricalconnector is in a first position according to teachings of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment ofan electrical contact engaged with a conductor according to teachings ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of aplurality of electrical contacts engaged with respective conductorsaccording to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18A is a side view generally illustrating rotational movement of anembodiment of an electrical contact according to teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 18B is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment ofan electrical connector with a plurality of electrical contacts andembodiments of conductors according to teachings of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electricalconnector including an adjustment portion according to teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20A is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of supportmember according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20B is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of a slideraccording to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are views generally illustrating an embodiment of anelectrical connector including an adjustment portion in a secondposition according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are views generally illustrating an embodiment of anelectrical connector including an adjustment portion between a secondposition and a first position according to teachings of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 24 is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electricalconnector including an adjustment portion in a first position accordingto teachings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will bedescribed in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, they do notlimit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. Onthe contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications,and equivalents.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1, a track system100 may include a support assembly 102 and/or a track/rail assembly 104.A track assembly 104 may be connected to and/or disposed in a mountingsurface 106 (e.g., a floor of a vehicle 108) and may facilitateselective connection of one or more support assemblies to the mountingsurface 106. A track assembly 104 may facilitate adjustment of one ormore support assemblies 102, such as relative to the mounting surface106 and/or within a vehicle 108. A support assembly 102 and/or a trackassembly 104 may include and/or be connected to an electrical system 110(e.g., of a vehicle 108), which may include a controller 112 and/or apower source 114.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1, a trackassembly 104 may include one or more tracks/rails 120 to which a supportassembly 102 may be connectable and adjustable (e.g., slidable). A track120 may include one or more metal and/or conductive materials (e.g.,steel, aluminum, etc.). A track assembly 104 may include one or moretrack sets 122, each including one or more tracks 120 that may beconfigured to engage a corresponding portion of a support assembly 102.Several tracks 120 and/or track sets 122 may be connected to a portionof the mounting surface 106 (e.g., a floor, wall, ceiling, etc.) anddisposed adjacent to one another and/or may extend parallel to oneanother. One or more tracks 120, 120′ may be structured identically toone other and/or differently from one another. Tracks 120, 120′ may, forexample, be offset from each other in a lateral/transverse direction(e.g., a Y-direction) such that the tracks 120, 120′ may be generallyaligned with respective outer sides of the support assembly 102.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, a track 120may be an elongated member extending in the X-direction. A track 120 mayhave a track base portion 124 and two track wall portions (e.g., a firsttrack wall portion 126 and a second track wall portion 128) protrudingfrom the track base portion 124 to form a generally U shapedcross-section in a Y-Z plane (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to anX-direction). The U-shaped cross section may define a track receptacle130 configured to receive and at least temporarily retain a portion of asupport assembly 102. A first track lip 132 and a second track lip 134may project toward one another from the first track wall portion 126 andthe second track wall portion 128, respectively. A track opening 136 maybe defined between the two track lips 132, 134. A portion of a supportassembly 102 may be inserted into the track opening 136 and selectivelyretained within the track receptacle 130. A track 120 may include aninsulator receptacle 138 configured to receive and retain an insulator170. An insulator receptacle 138 may open substantially in aY-direction. An insulator receptacle 138, 138′ may be defined by a trackwall portion 126, 128, a track lip 132, 134, and/or one or more trackprojections 140A, 140B, 140C extending from a track wall portion 126,128. Additionally and/or alternatively, an insulator receptacle 138 maybe defined by a track wall portion 126, 128, a track lip 132, 134,and/or a track base portion 124.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, a track120 may include one or more electrical conductors 150 (e.g., bus bars).A conductor 150 may be operatively connected to a controller 112 and/ora power source 114. A conductor 150 may be connected to a first trackwall portion 126 and/or a second track wall portion 128 of a track 120,and/or any other portion of a track 120. A conductor 150 may be disposedand connected to a track 120 such that the conductor 150 is able to makecontact with (e.g., electrically connect with) a correspondingelectrical contact 220 of a support assembly 102. With examples, aconductor 150 may be an elongated member extending in the X-direction. Aconductor 150 may have a conductor base portion 152 and two conductorwall portions (e.g., a conductor top portion 154 and a conductor bottomportion 156) protruding from the conductor base portion 152 to form agenerally U-shaped cross-section in a Y-Z plane that opens substantiallyin the Y-direction. In examples, such as generally illustrated in FIG.17B, a conductor 150 may have a singular, curved wall portion 158 and/ormay generally have a C-shaped cross-section. When engaged by anelectrical contact 220, a curved wall portion 158 and/or a C-shapedcross-section of a conductor 150 may guide and/or bias the electricalcontact 220 toward a centralized position, in which a contact surfacearea between the electrical contact 220 and the conductor 160 may begreatest, and/or may facilitate alignment of the electrical contact 220relative to a Y-direction and/or a Z-direction.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 15B, 16A,16B, and/or 17B, a track 120 may include a plurality of conductors 150,such as a first conductor 150A, a second conductor 150B, and/or a thirdconductor 150C. The first, second, and third conductors 150A, 150B, 150Cmay be arranged in a stacked configuration such that they aresubstantially aligned when viewed from a Z-direction and/or extendparallel to one another in the X-direction.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, atrack 120 may include an insulator 170, that may, for example, includeelectrically insulative material. An insulator 170 may include abody/structure configured to receive and/or retain one or moreconductors 150. An insulator 170 may be electrically insulative and/ormay be configured to electrically insulate/isolate a conductor 150 fromother portions of the track 120 and/or track assembly 104. An insulator170 may be an elongated body that may extend in the X-direction. Aninsulator 170 may include one or more insulator recesses 172 configuredto receive one or more conductors 150. A conductor 150 may slide and/orsnap, for example, into an insulator recess 172. An insulator recess 172may open in a Y-direction and/or may include a tapered opening 174configured to engage one or more alignment protrusions 282 and/orelectrical contacts 220 of an electrical connector 210, such as to guidethe electrical contacts 220 into engagement, contact, and/or abutmentwith a corresponding conductor 150 and/or to facilitate proper alignmentof an electrical connector 210 and/or the electrical contact 220 in theZ-direction. The insulator 170 may be disposed within the trackreceptacle 130 and/or may be connected to the first track wall portion126 and/or the second track wall portion 128, and/or another portion ofthe track 120. The insulator 170 may be slid and/or snapped into aninsulator receptacle 138 of a track 120.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 4, 15B, 16A,16B, and/or 17B, an insulator 170 may include a plurality of insulatorrecesses 172 and/or a plurality of tapered openings 174, such as a firstinsulator recess 172A, a second insulator recess 172B, and/or a thirdinsulator recess 172C that may each have a respective tapered opening174A, 174B, 174C. The first insulator recess 172A, the second insulatorrecess 172B, and the third insulator recess 172C may be configured toreceive and/or retain a first conductor 150A, a second conductor 150B,and/or a third conductor 150C, respectively. The first, second, andthird insulator recesses 172A, 172B, 172C may be arranged in a stackedconfiguration such that they are substantially aligned when viewed froma Z-direction and/or extend parallel to one another in the X-direction.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1, a trackassembly 104 may include a track set 122 including a first track 120 anda second track 120′. The first track 120 may include a track baseportion 124, a first track wall portion 126, a second track wall portion128, a first track lip 132, a second track lip 134, a track receptacle130, a track opening 136, an insulator receptacle 138, and/or aplurality of track projections 140A, 140B, 140C. The first track 120 mayinclude an insulator 170 with a plurality of insulator recesses 172A,172B, 172C and/or a plurality of electrical conductors 150A, 150B, 150C.The second track 120′ may include a track base portion 124′, a firsttrack wall portion 126′, a second track wall portion 128′, a first tracklip 132′, a second track lip 134′, a track receptacle 130′, a trackopening 136′, and/or a plurality of track projections 140A′, 140B′,140C′, some or all of which may be configured in the same or similarmanner as corresponding features of the first track 120. The secondtrack 120′ may include an insulator receptacle 138′ defined by a trackwall portion 126′ and track projections 140A′, 140B′. The second track120′ may include an insulator 170′ with a single insulator recess 172′,a single tapered opening 174′, and a single conductor 150′. In otherexamples, the first track 120 and/or the insulator 170 may include thesame or a similar configuration (e.g., a mirrored configuration) as thesecond track 120′ and/or the insulator 170′, or vice versa.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1, a supportassembly 102 may include a support member 200. A support assembly 102and/or a support member 200 may be adjusted and/or moved along a track120 and/or the track assembly 104 (e.g., in an X-direction) manuallyand/or via an actuator (e.g., an electric motor operatively connected tothe support assembly 102 and/or the track assembly 104). A supportmember 200 may be configured for connection with and removal (e.g., in aZ-direction) from a track assembly 104, such as in a plurality oflocations along the track assembly 104. A support member 200 may, forexample and without limitation, include, be connected to, and/or supporta seat, such as a vehicle seat, and/or one or more other components(e.g., consoles, cargo, cargo racks, etc.). The support member 200and/or one or more components connected thereto may include one or moreelectrical components 202 (e.g., controllers, power sources, seatheaters, airbags, air bladders, fans, etc.). A support member 200 may beconfigured as a base, a leg, and/or a support structure, for example.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1, a supportmember 200 may include one or more electrical connectors 210 that may beconfigured for selective connection with a track 120 of a track assembly104. An electrical connector 210 may be configured to selectivelyelectrically connect with a track assembly 104, such as with a conductor150 (e.g., a bus bar) of the track assembly 104. Electrical connectionbetween an electrical connector 210 and a conductor 150 may permitelectrical power and/or one or more signals (e.g., control signals,sensor data signals, etc.) to be provided to and/or received from thesupport member 200 (e.g., an electrical component 202), such as viawires 204. An electrical connector 210 (and/or a housing thereof) may,for example, include an electrically insulative material (e.g., plastic,polymer, etc.).

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, and/or6C, an electrical connector 210 may include a first connector section212 and/or a second connector section 214. A first connector section 212may be connected to and extend from the support member 200, such asdownward in a Z-direction. A second connector section 214 may beconnected to the first connector section 212 and/or may extend obliquelyor perpendicularly relative to the first connector section 212. Thefirst connector section 212 and/or the second connector section 214 may,for example, include an electrically insulating material (e.g., aplastic). A first connector section 212 and/or a second connectorsection 214 may be configured to engage a track 120, such as via beinginserted into a track receptacle 130 through a track opening 136. Atleast a portion of an electrical connector 210 (e.g., a first connectorsection 212) may engage and/or may be disposed in a recess 206 of asupport member 200 (see, e.g., FIG. 6C). When engaged with a recess 206,an electrical connector 210 may be moveable (e.g., adjustable, slidable,etc.), at least to an extent, generally in a Z-direction to facilitatealignment of an electrical contact 220 and a conductor 150. Removal ofan electrical connector 210 from a recess 206 (e.g., generally in aZ-direction) may be restricted and/or prevented by one or more portionsof the electrical connector 210 (e.g., an adjustment portion 284) and/orby one or more portions of the support member 200, such as a protrusion,a flange, a stop, and/or a guide member/portion 208 for example.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or12-18B, an electrical connector 210 may be adjustable to a firstposition in which one or more electrical contacts 220 of the supportassembly 102 are engaged within (e.g., in electrical contact with) acorresponding conductor 150 of the track assembly 104 (see, e.g., FIGS.1, 14A-14C, 16A-16C, 17A, and 17B) and a second position in which theelectrical contact(s) 220 is/are not engaged with the correspondingconductor 150 of the track assembly 104 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12, 15A-15C,18A, and 18B). An electrical connector 210 may rotate to the firstposition and/or to the second position, such as about a connectorrotational axis 216 (see, e.g., FIG. 13). The electrical connector 210may, for example and without limitation, be rotated via an actuator ofthe support member 200, such as an electrical motor, a lever, and/or aslider 288. A slider 288 may slide in the X-direction relative to thesupport member 200 and the electrical connector 210, such as toengage/rotate the electrical connector 210.

In embodiments, a connector rotational axis 216 may extend substantiallyparallel to a Z-direction and/or may be a central longitudinal axis ofthe first connector section 212. When in the first position, the firstconnector section 212 may extend in a direction substantially parallelto a Z-direction, the second connector section 214 may extend in adirection substantially parallel to a Y-direction, and/or the electricalconnector 210 may, at least to some degree, restrict removal of thesupport member 200 from the track assembly 104 generally in aZ-direction (e.g., the second connector section 214 may overlap with aportion of the track 120, such as the lip 132, in the Z-direction). Whenin the second position, the first connector section 212 may extend in adirection substantially parallel to a Z-direction, the second connectorsection 214 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to aX-direction, and/or the electrical connector 210 may not substantiallyrestrict removal of the support member 200 from the track assembly 104.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6A, 6B,and/or 12-18B, an electrical connector 210 may include one or moreelectrical contacts 220 configured to contact/engage a correspondingconductor 150 of a track 120. An electrical contact 220 may, forexample, include one or more electrically conductive materials, such asaluminum, copper, and/or an alloy, among others. An electrical contact220 may be electrically connected, at least indirectly (e.g., viawires/cables 204), to an electrical component 202 of the support member200. When the support assembly 102 is disposed on the track assembly104, adjustment (e.g., rotation) of an electrical connector 210 mayadjust a position of the electrical contact 220 to (i) engage anelectrical contact 220 and a corresponding conductor 150 to establish anelectrical connection and/or (ii) disengage the electrical contact 220and the corresponding conductor 150 to disconnect and/or break theelectrical connection. An electrical contact 220 may maintain and/orremain in contact with a conductor 150 when a support member 200 ismoved along a track 120, which may cause one or more portions of anelectrical contact 220 configured to contact a conductor 150 (e.g., athird surface 244 and/or a sixth surface 250) to experience wear overtime (e.g., approximately 0.5 mm of wear). As such, one or more portionsof an electrical contact 220 may be configured to offset potential wear,such as by including extra material and/or being structured as a curvedbulge (see, e.g., third surface 244 and/or sixth surface 250).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and/or 8,an electrical contact 220 may have a base end 222 and a distal end 224disposed opposite the base end 222. The distal end 224 of an electricalcontact 220 may be disposed at least partially outside of an electricalconnector 210 and/or may project out of an electrical connector 210(e.g., a first connector section 212 and/or a second connector section214). A distal end 224 of the electrical contact 220 may be configuredto engage, contact, and/or be received within a conductor 150. A distalend 224 of an electrical contact 220 may be curved/rounded and/or may betapered to form a tip/point 226 (e.g., taper toward a contact rotationalaxis 228), which may facilitate insertion of the electrical contact 220into a conductor 150 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). A distal end 224 of anelectrical contact 220 may, additionally and/or alternatively, includeone or more lateral and/or radial protrusions/wings 230A, 230B (see,e.g., FIG. 8). A base end 222 of an electrical contact 220 may bemovably connected to an electrical connector 210 directly and/orindirectly. A base end 222 of an electrical contact 220 may be disposedat least partially within an electrical connector 210 (e.g., a firstconnector section 212 and/or a second connector section 214).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7, 8, and/or12-16C, an electrical contact 220 may be adjustable, such as rotatableabout a contact rotational axis 228. The contact rotational axis 228 mayextend substantially parallel to the Y-direction when the electricalconnector 210 is in the first position and substantially parallel to theX-direction when the electrical connector 210 is in the second position.The contact rotational axis 228 may extend obliquely or perpendicularlyto the connector rotational axis 216.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6A, and/or16A, an electrical contact 220 may move relative to the electricalconnector 210 about the contact rotational axis 228 and/or may, withsome configurations, not move/tilt to a substantially degree in aZ-direction relative to the electrical connector 210 (see, e.g.,electrical contact 220B). Alternatively, a contact 220 may be configuredto facilitate Z-direction alignment of itself and/or other electricalcontacts 220 with a corresponding conductor 150 of the track 120 (see,e.g., electrical contacts 220A, 220C). For example and withoutlimitation, an electrical contact 220A, 220C may be connected to theelectrical connector 210 via a ball joint connection 232, which maypermit the electrical contact 220 to (i) move parallel to and/or alongthe contact rotational axis 228 relative to the electrical connector 210to compensate for Y-direction misalignment (e.g., approximately 1 mm),(ii) rotate about a Z-alignment rotational axis 234 relative to theelectrical connector 210 to compensate for Z-direction misalignment(e.g., may move approximately 1 mm or less, such as approximately 0.6mm, in a Z-direction), and/or (iii) rotate about the contact rotationalaxis 228 to engage a conductor 150 (e.g., rotate approximately 10° orless, such as approximately 8.5°, and/or move approximately 0.5 mm orless in the Z-direction). An electrical contact 220 may, additionallyand/or alternatively, be adjustable (e.g., moveable, slidable, etc.)relative to a support member 200 and/or another electrical contact 220generally in a Z-direction and/or a Y-direction. In examples, such asgenerally illustrated in FIG. 17B, each of the electrical contacts 220A,220B, 220C may be adjustable independently of one another generally in aZ-direction and/or a Y-direction. Additionally and/or alternatively,Z-direction alignment of an electrical contact 220 may be facilitatedvia movement of an electrical connector 210 and/or a support member 200generally in a Z-direction and/or a Y-direction. For example, anelectrical connector 210 may be connected to the support member 200(e.g., via a recess 206) such that the electrical connector 210 may moveor float (e.g., approximately 3 mm or less, such as approximately 2.6mm) relative to the support member 200 generally in a Z-direction. Insome embodiments, such as those where an electrical contact 220 isconnected to the electrical connector 210 via a ball joint connection232, the electrical connector 210 may be substantially fixed relative tothe support member 200 in a Z-direction (e.g., the electrical contacts220 may be configured to sufficiently compensate Z-directionmisalignment).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in at least one of FIGS.9A-11, an electrical contact 220 may include a plurality of externalsurfaces, such as a first surface 240, a second surface 242, a thirdsurface 244, a fourth surface 246, a fifth surface 248, and/or a sixthsurface 250. A first surface 240 may be substantially flat (e.g., afirst flat surface) and/or may extend between and connect a secondsurface 242 and a sixth surface 250. A second surface 242 (e.g., a firsttransition surface) may extend between and connect a first surface 240and a third surface 244 and/or may define a transition 252 therebetween.A second surface 242 may extend substantially radially relative to thecontact rotational axis 228 such that the transition 252 is a steppedtransition. A third surface 244 may be curved (e.g., a first curvedsurface) and/or may extend between and connect a second surface 242 anda fourth surface 246. At least a portion of the third surface 244 (e.g.,a portion in a region of the transition 252) may be disposed radiallyfurther from the contact rotational axis 228 than the first surface 240.A fourth surface 246 (e.g., a second flat surface) may be substantiallyflat and/or may extend between and connect a third surface 244 and afifth surface 248. A fifth surface 248 (e.g., a second transitionsurface) may extend between and connect a fourth surface 246 and a sixthsurface 250 and/or may define a second transition 254 therebetween. Afifth surface 248 may extend substantially radially relative to thecontact rotational axis 228 such that the second transition 254 is asecond stepped transition. A sixth surface 250 may be curved (e.g., asecond curved surface) and/or may extend between and connect a fifthsurface 248 and a first surface 240. At least a portion of the sixthsurface 250 (e.g., a portion in a region of the second transition 254)may be disposed radially further from the contact rotational axis 228than the fourth surface 246.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in at least one of FIGS.9A-11, a first surface 240, a second surface 242, and/or a third surface244 may be disposed opposite a fourth surface 246, a fifth surface 248,and/or a sixth surface 250. A first surface 240 and a fourth surface 246may extend substantially parallel to the contact rotational axis 228and/or to one another. In examples, a first surface 240 and a thirdsurface 244 may be connected directly to one another and/or a fourthsurface 246 and a sixth surface 250 may be connected directly to oneanother such that an electrical contact 220 does not include a secondsurface 242, a stepped transition 252, a fifth surface 248, and/or asecond stepped transition 254 (see, e.g., FIG. 18A). Examples ofpotential orientations of an electrical contact 220 when an electricalconnector 210 is in the first position are generally illustrated inFIGS. 9A and 10A. Examples of potential orientations of an electricalcontact 220 when an electrical connector 210 is in the second positionare generally depicted in FIGS. 9B and 10B. A potential orientation ofan electrical contact 220 when an electrical connector 210 is in thefirst position (solid line profile) and when an electrical connector 210is in the second position (dashed line profile) are shown in FIG. 11. Asgenerally depicted in FIGS. 17A-18B, an electrical contact 220 may, forexample, have one or more external surfaces forming an elongated profilewith rounded ends, an oval-shaped profile, and/or any other desiredshape.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6A, 6B,15A-16C, and/or 17B, an electrical connector 210 may include a pluralityof electrical contacts 220, such as a first electrical contact 220A, asecond electrical contact 220B, and/or a third electrical contact 220C.One or more of the electrical contacts 220A, 220B, 220C may beconfigured the same as and/or differently from at least one otherelectrical contact 220A, 220B, 220C. A first electrical contact 220A, asecond electrical contact 220B, and a third electrical contact 220C maybe disposed in a stacked configuration such that the electrical contacts220A, 220B, 220C are substantially aligned when viewed from aZ-direction. A first electrical contact 220A, a second electricalcontact 220B, and a third electrical contact 220C may each be rotatableabout a respective contact rotational axis 228A, 228B, 228C, such as viarespective biasing members 276A, 276B, 276C.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6A, 7and/or 8, an electrical contact 220 may include a stabilizer portion258. A stabilizer portion 258 include an elongated member, for example,and/or may be configured to facilitate connection of an electricalcontact 220 to the electrical connector 210 and/or to stabilize, atleast to some degree, an electrical contact 220. A stabilizer portion258 may be movably connected to an electrical connector 210 and/or maybe disposed at least partially within an electrical connector 210 (e.g.,a first connector section 212 and/or a second connector section 214). Astabilizer portion 258 may be connected to and extend from a base end222 of the electrical contact 220 (e.g., along the contact rotationalaxis 228) and/or may movably connect an electrical contact 220 to anelectrical connector 210. A stabilizer portion 258 may be configured tomove (e.g., along the contact rotational axis 228) and/or rotate (e.g.,about the contact rotational axis 228 and/or the Z-alignment rotationalaxis 234) in conjunction with the electrical contact 220.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 8, and/or 17B,an electrical contact 220 and/or a stabilizer portion 258 may include anaperture 260 through which one or more wires/cables 204 may passthrough/into. A first wire 204A may be connected (e.g., electrically) toa first electrical contact 220A and/or may extend into a first aperture260A of the first electrical contact 220A. A second wire 204B may beconnected to a second electrical contact 220B, may pass through thefirst aperture 260A of the first electrical contact 220A (e.g., disposedabove the second electrical contact 220B), and/or may extend into asecond aperture 260B of the second electrical contact 220B. A third wire204C may be connected to a third electrical contact 220C (e.g., disposedbelow the first and second electrical contacts 220A, 220B), may extendthrough the first aperture 260A in the first electrical contact 220A,may extend through the second aperture 260B in the second electricalcontact 220B, and/or may extend into a third aperture 260C of the thirdelectrical contact 220C. In examples, a first aperture 260A of a firstelectrical contact 220A, a second aperture 260B of a second electricalcontact 220B, and a third aperture 260C of a third electrical contact220C may be substantially aligned with one another when viewed from aZ-direction.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6A, 7, 8,and/or 16A, an electrical contact 220 may include a connection portion264. A connection portion 264 may be connected to and/or an integralpart of the stabilizer portion 258. An electrical contact 220 and/or astabilizer portion 258 may be connected to an electrical connector 210via a connection portion 264.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6A, 8, and16A, a connection portion 264 may include a ball joint portion 266,which may connect an electrical contact 220 to an electrical connector210 via a ball joint connection 232. A ball joint portion 266 and/or aball joint connection 232 may permit an electrical contact 220 to (i)move parallel to and/or along the contact rotational axis 228 relativeto the electrical connector 210 to compensate for Y-directionmisalignment, (ii) rotate about a Z-alignment rotational axis 234relative to the electrical connector 210 to compensate for Z-directionmisalignment, and/or (iii) rotate about the contact rotational axis 228to engage a conductor 150. A Z-alignment rotational axis 234 may extend(i) through a ball joint portion 266, (ii) substantially perpendicularto the contact rotational axis 228, (iii) substantially parallel to aX-direction when the electrical connector 210 is in the first positionand/or (iv) substantially parallel to a Y-direction when the electricalconnector 210 is in the second position.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6A, 7,and 16A, a connection portion 264 may include a mount portion 268, whichmay restrict and/or substantially prevent rotation of an electricalcontact 220 in a Z-direction (e.g., about a Z-alignment rotational axis234) relative to an electrical connector 210. A mount portion 268 may,additionally and/or alternatively, permit movement of an electricalcontact 220 parallel to and/or along the contact rotational axis 228relative to an electrical connector 210.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 8, 10A, 10B, and16A, an electrical contact 220 may include a support protrusion 272configured to support and/or connect with a biasing member 276. Asupport protrusion 272 may be connected to and/or an integral part of anelectrical contact 220 and/or a stabilizer portion 258. A supportprotrusion 272 may extend away from a stabilizer portion 258 (e.g.,radially away from a contact rotational axis 228) and/or may extendobliquely or perpendicularly relative to a stabilizer portion 258 (e.g.,the stabilizer portion 258 may extend in a Y-direction and the supportprotrusion 272 may extend in an X-direction when the electricalconnector 210 is in the first position).

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 8, 10A, 10B, and16A, an electrical contact 220 may include an engagement protrusion 274configured to engage a biasing member 276 and/or to restrict movement ofa biasing member 276 relative to an electrical contact 220 (e.g., asupport protrusion 272). An engagement protrusion 274, for example, maybe configured to be received at least partially within a biasing member276 (e.g., a helical spring). An engagement protrusion 274 may beconnected to and/or an integral part of an electrical contact 220, astabilizer portion 258, and/or a support protrusion 272. An engagementprotrusion 274 may be disposed on and/or project from a supportprotrusion 272. An engagement protrusion 274 may extend obliquely orperpendicularly relative to a support protrusion 272 and/or a stabilizerportion 258 (e.g., the stabilizer portion 258 may extending in aY-direction, the support protrusion 272 may extend in an X-direction,and the engagement protrusion 274 may extend in a Z-direction when theelectrical connector 210 is in the first position).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6A,9A-10B, 12-14C, and/or 16A, an electrical connector 210 may include abiasing member 276 (e.g., a spring) configured to bias an electricalcontact 220 into engagement and/or abutment with a conductor 150, suchas to maintain an electrical connection between an electrical contact220 and a corresponding conductor 150 of a track 120. A biasing member276 may be disposed at least partially within an electrical connector210 and/or may extend substantially parallel to a Z-direction and/or aconnector rotational axis 216. A biasing member 276 may be configured toapply a force to an electrical contact 220, such as in a directionsubstantially parallel to the Z-direction. A biasing member 276 may bedisposed offset from a contact rotational axis 228, at least in theX-direction for example, which may bias an electrical contact 220 aboutthe contact rotational axis 228. For example, a biasing member 276 maybias an electrical contact 220 about a contact rotational axis 228 in afirst rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIGS. 9A-12, and16A) or in a second rotational direction (e.g., clockwise with respectto the electrical contact 220 in FIG. 18A).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6A,9A-10B, 12-14C, and/or 16A, a biasing member 276 may be disposed on andsupported by an electrical contact 220. A biasing member 276 may bedisposed directly on a surface of the electrical contact 220 (e.g., afirst surface 240; see, e.g., FIGS. 9A, 9B). Additionally and/oralternatively, a biasing member 276 may be disposed on a supportprotrusion 272 of an electrical contact 220 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10A, 10B,and/or 16A). A biasing member 276 may be configured to engage and/orreceive an engagement protrusion 274 of an electrical contact 220 to,for example, facilitate a connection between the biasing member 276 andthe electrical contact 220. Engagement between the biasing member 276and the engagement protrusion 274 may restrict, at least to some extent,movement of the biasing member 276 relative to the support protrusion272. For example and without limitation, an engagement protrusion 274may restrict/prevent the biasing member 276 from sliding off of thesupport protrusion 272 during rotation of the electrical contact 220about the contact rotational axis 228 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10A, 10B). Abiasing member 276 may disposed on and/or connected to a biasing membersupport 278 of an electrical connector 210 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9A-10B),which may support an end of the biasing member 276 opposite theelectrical contact 220 (e.g., a biasing member 276 may be disposedsubstantially between an electrical contact 220 and a biasing membersupport 278). A biasing member support 278 may be configured similar toa support protrusion 272 and/or an engagement protrusion 274, and may befixed relative to the electrical connector 210.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 14A-14C,16A-16C, 17A, and/or 17B, when an electrical connector 210 is in thefirst position, a biasing member 276 may bias an electrical contact 220into engagement and/or physical contact with a conductor 150, such as tofacilitate an electrical connection therebetween. The biasing member 276may bias a first portion of an electrical contact 220 (e.g., a thirdsurface 244, 244A, 244B, 244C) into abutment with a portion of aconductor 150 (e.g., an inner surface of a conductor top portion 154,154A, 154B, 154C) and bias a second portion of the electrical contact220 (e.g., a sixth surface 250, 250A, 250B, 250C) into physical contactwith another portion of the conductor 150 (e.g., an inner surface of aconductor bottom portion 156, 156A, 156B, 156C; see, e.g., FIGS. 14B and16A). With such a configuration, for example, a contact 220 may beelectrically connected with the same conductor 150 in two differentlocations.

In embodiments, when the electrical connector 210 is in the firstposition, a portion and/or a surface of an electrical contact 220 (e.g.,a first surface 240; see, e.g., FIGS. 9A, 11, and 14B) and/or a surfaceof a support protrusion 272 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10A and 16A) may bedisposed at an angle 280A relative to an X-Y plane (e.g., a horizontalplane). During insertion of an electrical contact 220 into a conductor150 (e.g., via rotation of an electrical connector 210 as shown in FIG.13), engagement between the electrical contact 220 and the conductor 150may cause the electrical contact 220 to rotate, at least to some degree,against the force of the biasing member 276. When an electricalconnector 210 is in a second position, a surface of an electricalcontact 220 (e.g., a first surface 240; see, e.g., FIGS. 9B, 11, and 12)and/or a surface of a support protrusion 272 (see, e.g., FIG. 10B) maybe disposed at an angle 280B (e.g., 15°), which may be larger than theangle 280A, relative to an X-Y plane (e.g., a horizontal plane). When anelectrical connector 210 is in a second position, a portion and/or asurface of a biasing member 276 may be disposed spaced apart from asurface of an electrical contact 220 (e.g., a first surface 240) and/ora surface of a support protrusion 272, which may allow rotationalmovement of the electrical contact 220 about the contact rotational axis228, at least to some extent. In examples, when the electrical connector210 is in a first position, a surface of the biasing member 276 may bedisposed substantially flush with a surface of an electrical contact 220(e.g., a first surface 240) and/or a surface of a support protrusion 272(see, e.g., FIG. 14B). Additionally and/or alternatively, when anelectrical connector 210 is in a first and/or a second position, aportion and/or a surface of a biasing member 276 may contact and/or abuta surface of an electrical contact 220 (e.g., a first surface 240)and/or a surface of a support protrusion 272 such that an angle, whichmay be the same as or different from an angle 280A, 280B, is definedtherebetween.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5-6B, and/or12-16C, an electrical connector 210 may include an alignment protrusion282 that may be configured to facilitate alignment of the electricalconnector 210 and/or electrical contacts 220 with the track 120 and/orconductors 150. An alignment protrusion 282 may be disposed on and/orconnected to an electrical connector 210, and/or may extend from theelectrical connector 210 (e.g., obliquely, substantiallyperpendicularly, etc.). In examples, a second connector section 214 ofan electrical connector 210 may be configured as an alignment protrusion282 and/or an alignment protrusion 282 may define a second connectorsection 214 of an electrical connector 210. An alignment protrusion 282may be configured to engage an insulator 170 and/or be at leastpartially received in an insulator 170 (e.g., in a tapered opening 174of a recess 172). For example and without limitation, as the electricalconnector 210 rotates toward the first position, the alignmentprotrusion 282 may engage and/or interact with the track 120 (e.g., atapered opening 174), which may move the electrical connector 210generally upward in a Z-direction relative to the track 120 and/or thesupport member 200, rotate one or more electrical contacts 220 about arespective Z-alignment rotational axis 234 (e.g., via ball jointconnections 232), and/or align one or more electrical contacts 220 witha corresponding conductor 150 in a Z-direction.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 6B, 15A-15C, 16B,and/or 16C, an alignment protrusion 282 may include one or more of avariety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and withoutlimitation, the alignment protrusion 282 may include a fin configurationthat may extend in substantially the same direction as the electricalcontacts 220 and/or that may have a height (e.g., in the Z-direction)that tapers/decreases in a radially outward direction and/or in acircumferential direction relative to the connector rotational axis 216.The height of an alignment protrusion 282 may taper in a circumferentialdirection around the connector rotational axis 216 such that the heightis smallest proximate a portion of the alignment protrusion 282 thatengages the track 120 and/or the insulator 170 first and increases suchthat further engagement of the alignment protrusion 282 with the track120 and/or the insulator 170 may move the electrical connector 210 in aZ-direction, which may move an electrical contact 220 into Z-directionalignment with a corresponding conductor 150.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6A,and/or 15A-16C, a first, a second, and/or a third electrical contact220A, 220B, 220C may include a respective stabilizer portion 258A 258B,258C, a respective connection portion 264A, 264B, 264C, a respectivesupport protrusion 272A, 272B, 272C, and/or a respective engagementprotrusion 274A, 274B, 274C. The support protrusions 272A, 272B, 272C ofthe electrical contacts 220A, 220B, 220C may be disposed offset from oneanother in a direction parallel to the contact rotational axes 228A,228B, 228C, which may allow a plurality of biasing members 276A, 276B,276C to be arranged adjacent to one another and extend substantiallyparallel to one another in a Z-direction. The biasing members 276A,276B, 276C may each be associated with a corresponding electricalcontact 220A, 220B, 220C and contact a corresponding biasing membersupport 278A, 278B, 278C.

With embodiments, an electrical connector 210 may include an alignmentprotrusion 282 disposed adjacent to the second electrical contact 220B,which may be disposed between electrical contacts 220A, 220C. Thealignment protrusion 282 may facilitate Z-direction alignment of atleast the second electrical contact 220B and the second conductor 150B,such as by adjusting the electrical connector 210 (e.g., within a recess206) generally in a Z-direction and/or a Y-direction relative to asupport member 200 and/or a track 120. The first and/or third electricalcontact 220A, 220C may include a respective ball joint portion 266A,266C and/or may be connected to the electrical connector 210 via arespective ball joint connection 232A, 232C. In some circumstances(e.g., as a result of manufacturing differences/tolerances), after thealignment protrusion 282 aligns the second contact 220B and the secondconductor 150B in a Z-direction, electrical contacts 220A, 220C may notbe directly aligned with first and third conductors 150A, 150C in theZ-direction (e.g., if they remain parallel with a Y-direction). In suchcircumstances, electrical contacts 220A, 220C may rotate about axes234A, 234C to compensate for the Z-direction misalignment and facilitateinsertion of electrical contacts 220A, 220C into conductors 150A, 150C.Such rotation of the electrical contacts 220A, 220C may result in atleast one of the electrical contacts 220A, 220C being disposed at anangle relative to an X-Y plane (e.g., a horizontal plane). One or moreof the electrical contacts 220A, 220B, 220C may, additionally and/oralternatively, be adjusted, moved, slid, etc. along the respectivecontact rotational axis 228A, 228B, 228C to compensate for anyY-direction misalignment between the electrical contacts 220A, 220B,220C and the conductors 150A, 150B, 150C.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1, a supportmember 200 may include a first electrical connector 210 and a secondelectrical connector 210′, which may each be rotatable about arespective connector rotational axis 216, 216′. A second electricalconnector 210′ and components thereof may be configured the same,similar, and/or differently from the first electrical connector 210 andthe corresponding components thereof, or vice versa. For example, asecond electrical connector 210′ may include a first connector section212′, a second connector section 214′, an electrical contact 220′rotatable about a contact rotational axis 228′, a wire 204′, astabilizer portion 258′, a connection portion 264′, a mount portion268′, and/or an alignment protrusion 282′, some or all of which may beconfigured in the same or similar manner as corresponding features of anelectrical connector 210.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21-24,an electrical connector 210 may include an adjustment portion 284configured to facilitate adjustment (e.g., rotation) of the electricalconnector 210 to a first position and/or to a second position. Anadjustment portion 284 may be connected to and/or integrally formed aspart of an electrical connector 210 (e.g., a first connector section212). An adjustment portion 284 may include a first adjustment section284A and a second adjustment section 284B, which may project from anadjustment body 284C and/or may be disposed opposite one another. Anadjustment body 284C may extend generally in a Y-direction, for example,at least when the electrical connector 210 is in a first position. Afirst adjustment section 284A and/or a second adjustment section 284Bmay extend obliquely or perpendicularly relative to an adjustment body284C and/or a Y-direction, for example, at least when the electricalconnector 210 is in a first position.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 20A-24, asupport member 200 may include a slider 288 configured to facilitateadjustment (e.g., rotation) of an electrical connector 210 to a firstposition and/or to a second position. A slider 288 may be configured toengage an adjustment portion 284 of an electrical connector 210. Aslider 288 may include a slider protrusion 290, which may extendgenerally in a Y-direction. A slider 288 may include a slider receptacle292, which may extend and/or protrude into the slider 288, such asgenerally in a Y-direction. A slider receptacle 292 may be configured toengage and/or receive a portion of an adjustment portion 284 (e.g., afirst adjustment section 284A). A slider 288 may include a guide surface294 configured to engage, contact, and/or abut an adjustment portion 284(e.g., a first adjustment section 284A and/or a second adjustmentsection 284B). A slider 288 and/or a guide surface 294 may extendgenerally in an X-direction. A guide surface 294 may include a firstsection 294A and/or a second section 294B, which may be at leastpartially define a slider protrusion 290. A third section 294C mayextend from the first section 294A, such as generally in an X-direction.A fourth section 294D may extend from the second section 294B, such asgenerally in an X-direction, such as in an opposite direction of thethird section 294C.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 21A, 21B and/or24, when an electrical connector 210 is in a second position, a firstadjustment section 284A may disposed adjacent to and/or in contact witha third section 294C of the guide surface 294, a first connector section212 may be disposed adjacent to and/or in contact with a first section294A of the guide surface 294, and/or a second adjustment section 284Bmay be disposed adjacent to and/or in contact with a fourth section 294Dof the guide surface 294 (see, e.g., FIGS. 21A and 21B). When theelectrical connector 210 is in a first position (see, e.g., FIG. 24), afirst adjustment section 284A may be disposed at least partially inand/or engage a slider receptacle 292 of the slider 288, and/or a secondadjustment section 284B may be disposed spaced apart from a guidesurface 294 such that, for example, the adjustment portion 284 extendsat least partially across a track opening 136 of the track 120.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 21A-24, aslider 288 and/or an electrical connector 210 may be adjusted, moved,slid, etc. (e.g., generally in the X-direction), which may cause theadjustment portion 284 to interact with the guide surface 294, which maycause the electrical connector 210 to adjust (e.g., rotate) toward afirst position and/or a second position. When moving the slider 288and/or the electrical connector 210 to adjust the electrical connector210 toward a first position, for example from a second position (see,e.g., FIGS. 21A and 21B), a first adjustment section 284A may slidealong the third section 294C of the guide surface 294 and intoengagement with a slider receptacle 292, and/or the second adjustmentsection 284B may slide along the fourth section 294D of the guidesurface 294 into engagement with the slider protrusion 290 (see, e.g.,FIG. 22). Continued adjustment of the slider 288 and/or the electricalconnector 210 may cause the second adjustment section 284B to slidealong the second section 294B of the guide surface 294 (see, e.g., FIG.23), which may cause the adjustment portion 284 and/or the electricalconnector 210 to rotate (e.g., around a Z-direction axis) toward a firstposition (see, e.g., FIG. 24), which may facilitate or cause the firstadjustment section 284A to engage the slider receptacle 292 such thatfurther movement of the slider 288 causes further rotation of theelectrical connector 210 via the first adjustment section 284A. Theslider 288 and/or the electrical connector 210 may be adjusted/moved, inan opposite direction for example, to adjust the electrical connector210 toward a second position, which may involve the above describedprocess being conducted in reverse.

In embodiments, a slider 288 may be actuated/moved in one or more of avariety of ways. For example, a user may move the slider 288 directlyand/or via a handle/lever/linkage. Additionally or alternatively, theslider 288 may, for example, be actuated via an actuation shaft 298and/or a pinion 300 connected thereto that may be engaged with teeth 296of the slider 288 (e.g., the slider 288 may include a gear rackportion). The actuation shaft 298 may be actuated manually and/or via apowered actuator (e.g., an electric motor), for example.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for variousapparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are setforth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure,function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as describedin the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Itwill be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that theexamples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. Inother instances, well-known operations, components, and elements havenot been described in detail so as not to obscure theexamples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments describedand illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can beappreciated that the specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit thescope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,”“with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “inembodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theexample/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,”“in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “anembodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated ordescribed in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, inwhole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/orcharacteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples withoutlimitation given that such combination is not illogical ornon-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the presentdisclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that references to a single element are notnecessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Anydirectional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward,downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below,vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used foridentification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the presentdisclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to theposition, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like)are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members betweena connection of elements, relative movement between elements, directconnections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movableconnections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or directcontact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that twoelements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to eachother. Connections of electrical components, if any, may includemechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections,and/or wireless connections, among others. The use of “e.g.” in thespecification is to be construed broadly and is used to providenon-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and thedisclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” areto be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For exampleand without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require allelements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless sucha construction would be illogical.

While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein inconnection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should beunderstood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in adifferent order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, withadditional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.

All matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and notlimiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departingfrom the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A support member connectable to a track assemblyto be removable and adjustable, the support member comprising: anelectrical connector adjustable to a first position and a secondposition, the electrical connector including: a first contact configuredto engage a first conductor of said track assembly; and a biasingmember; wherein the first contact is engageable with said firstconductor when the electrical connector is in the first position; thefirst contact is disposed at a distance from said first conductor whenthe electrical connector is in the second position; the biasing memberis configured to rotationally bias the first contact into engagementwith said first conductor when the electrical connector is in the firstposition; and the electrical connector has a connector rotational axis;the first contact protrudes from the electrical connector; the firstcontact has a contact rotational axis that is oblique or perpendicularto the connector rotational axis; and the first contact is rotatableabout the contact rotational axis.
 2. The support member of claim 1,wherein: the first contact includes a first surface, a second surface,and a third surface; and the second surface extends between and connectsthe first surface and the third surface such that a transition isdefined between the first surface and the third surface.
 3. The supportmember of claim 2, wherein: the first contact includes a fourth surface,a fifth surface, and a sixth surface; the third surface extends betweenand connects the second surface and the fourth surface; the fifthsurface extends between and connects the fourth surface and the sixthsurface such that a second transition is defined between the fourthsurface and the sixth surface; and the sixth surface extends between andconnects the fifth surface and the first surface.
 4. The support memberof claim 3, wherein: the first surface and the fourth surface aresubstantially flat; the third surface and the sixth surface are curved;in a region of the transition, the third surface is disposed radiallyfarther from an axis of the first contact than the first surface; and ina region of the second transition, the sixth surface is disposedradially farther from the axis of the first contact than the fourthsurface.
 5. The support member of claim 1, wherein: the electricalconnector includes a second contact, a second biasing member, and analignment protrusion; the second contact is configured to engage asecond conductor of said track assembly when the electrical connector isin the first position; the alignment protrusion is disposed adjacent tothe second contact and is configured to engage said track assembly tofacilitate alignment of the second contact with said second conductor;the electrical connector is rotatable about and adjustable along theconnector rotational axis such that, when the electrical connector isrotated from the second position toward the first position, theelectrical connector is adjusted along the connector rotational axis viaengagement of the alignment protrusion and said track assembly tosubstantially align the second contact with said second conductor; andthe first contact is rotatable about the contact rotational axis tocompensate for misalignment of the first contact with said firstconductor.
 6. The support member of claim 1, wherein the electricalconnector is adjustable to the first position and the second positionvia rotating about the connector rotational axis.
 7. A track system,comprising: the support member of claim 1; and said track assembly; thetrack assembly includes a track and an insulator; and the firstconductor is connected to the track via the insulator.
 8. The tracksystem of claim 7, wherein: the first contact includes a first flatsurface, a first transition surface, a first curved surface, a secondflat surface, a second transition surface, and a second curved surface;the first flat surface extends between and connects the second curvedsurface and the first transition surface; the first transition surfaceextends between and connects the first flat surface and the first curvedsurface such that a transition is defined between the first flat surfaceand the first curved surface; the first curved surface extends betweenand connects the first transition surface and the second flat surface;the second flat surface extends between and connects the first curvedsurface and the second transition surface; the second transition surfaceextends between and connects the second flat surface and the secondcurved surface such that a second transition is defined between thesecond flat surface and the second curved surface; and the second curvedsurface extends between and connects the second transition surface andthe first flat surface.
 9. The track system of claim 8, wherein: thefirst conductor has a substantially U-shaped profile; and the firstcontact has a first contact rotational axis and is rotationally biasedabout the first contact rotational axis via the biasing member suchthat, when the electrical connector is in the first position, (i) thefirst contact is disposed within the first conductor and (ii) the firstcurved surface and the second curved surface of the first contact arebiased into contact with opposing surfaces of the first conductor. 10.The track system of claim 7, wherein: the track assembly includes asecond conductor; the electrical connector includes a second contact anda second biasing member; the second contact is configured to engage thesecond conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position;and the first contact is configured to rotate about a plurality of axesto facilitate engagement between the first contact and the firstconductor.
 11. The track system of claim 10, wherein: the electricalconnector includes an alignment protrusion; the alignment protrusion isconfigured to engage the insulator such that, when the electricalconnector is adjusted from the second position toward the firstposition, the second contact and the second conductor are substantiallyaligned with one another via engagement of the alignment protrusion andthe insulator; and the first contact is connected with the electricalconnector via a ball joint connection such that the first contact is (i)rotatable about a first axis of the plurality of axes to contact thefirst conductor, and (ii) rotatable about a second axis of the pluralityof axes to compensate for misalignment of the first contact and thefirst conductor.
 12. A support member connectable to a track assembly tobe removable and adjustable, the support member comprising: anelectrical connector adjustable to a first position and a secondposition, the electrical connector including a first contact configuredto engage a first conductor of said track assembly; wherein the firstcontact is engageable with said first conductor when the electricalconnector is in the first position; the first contact is disposed at adistance from said first conductor when the electrical connector is inthe second position; and the first contact includes a ball jointportion, a first rotational axis, and a second rotational axis.
 13. Atrack system, comprising: a track assembly; a support member connectableto the track assembly to be removable and adjustable, the support membercomprising: an electrical connector adjustable to a first position and asecond position, the electrical connector including: a first contactconfigured to engage a first conductor of the track assembly; and abiasing member; and wherein the first contact is engageable with saidfirst conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position;the first contact is disposed at a distance from said first conductorwhen the electrical connector is in the second position; the biasingmember is configured to rotationally bias the first contact intoengagement with said first conductor when the electrical connector is inthe first position; and when the first contact is engaged with the firstconductor, the biasing member biases (i) a first portion of the firstcontact toward a top inner surface of the first conductor and (ii) asecond portion of the first contact toward a lower inner surface of thefirst conductor.
 14. The track system of claim 13, wherein: theelectrical connector has a connector rotational axis; the first contactprotrudes from the electrical connector; the first contact has a contactrotational axis that is substantially perpendicular to the connectorrotational axis; and the first contact is rotatable about the contactrotational axis.
 15. The track system of claim 14, wherein, when theelectrical connector is in the first position: the contact rotationalaxis extends substantially in a transverse direction of the supportmember; and the biasing member is offset from the contact rotationalaxis in a longitudinal direction of the support member.
 16. The tracksystem of claim 15, wherein the biasing member is configured to apply aforce to the first contact in a substantially vertical direction suchthat the first contact is rotationally biased into engagement with saidfirst conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position.17. The support member of claim 14, wherein: the biasing member includesa spring; the first contact includes a stabilizer portion, a supportprotrusion connected to the stabilizer portion, and an engagementprotrusion extending from the support protrusion; and the engagementprotrusion is engaged with the spring to restrict movement of the springrelative to the support protrusion.
 18. The track system of claim 13,wherein the track assembly includes a track and an insulator; the firstconductor is connected to the track via the insulator; and the firstconductor is received and retained within a recess of the insulator. 19.The track system of claim 18, wherein: the electrical connector includesan alignment protrusion; and the recess of the insulator includes atapered opening configured to engage the alignment protrusion such that,when the electrical connector is adjusted from the second positiontoward the first position, the first contact and the first conductor aresubstantially aligned with one another via engagement of the taperedopening and the alignment protrusion.
 20. The track system of claim 18,wherein: the first conductor has a U-shaped profile open in a transversedirection and is configured to at least partially receive the firstcontact; and the insulator extends beyond the first conductor such thatthe first contact is guidable into the first conductor via a taperedopening of the recess of the insulator when the electrical connector isadjusted toward the first position.